12 comments:

Awesome- I think using Rails to connect to SQL Server and ActiveDirectory to authenticate users without a login prompt are my favorite bits. Basically all of the stuff you need to run Rails on Windows Server with a Windows infrastructure.

One thing I'd like to read about is executing dos commands in Ruby. I've found subtle and (to me) unpredictable issues when using backticks/system()/exec(). Usually they work, but sometimes a command sent that way will fail even though it succeeds on the command line or in a batch file.

To get around this I've started using ruby to dynamically generate batch files and executing those.

I'd love to know if other people have experienced this problem, what causes it, and if there is a better workaround.

A few suggestions if you need them:- maybe some tips on setting up your environment, what tools to use, etc.- don't forget about the boring stuff such as documentation and debugging. Unfortunately this rarely gets the attention it deserves in programming books.- since Windows is a popular for gaming, maybe something on graphics and Direct/X- leave out as much Rails stuff as you can, focus on Ruby.

Even though I'm more of a linux person, I'm looking forward to it allready!

The second half of 2009 is just around the corner and I guess it may be a little too late to give you this advice but please, don't make your book yet another beginner's book.

I've recently started learning ruby, followed up by rails then back to ruby to learn about gui development and have come across numerous introductory books along the way. Notable mentions are Mr. Neighborly's Humble Little Ruby book and The Book of Ruby from Sapphire Steel.

I'd like to think that I've leveled up from a beginner and would suggest that you stay away from basing your book on the basics. Good luck in either case and I hope your book's a success (plus have a free pdf XD).